About Me

Growing up, I spent a lot of time at my paternal grandmother’s country home. This special lady taught me the importance of hard work. Every summer, I worked alongside her in her large, vegetable garden. Unfortunately, my grandmother’s health started to deteriorate a few years ago. However, this spunky woman wanted to continue living by herself at her home.
To keep her safe, my grandmother’s children purchased some medical equipment and supplies for her. They bought a hospital bed, a bed pan, an oxygen tank, and a walker for her. On this blog, I hope you will discover the types of medical equipment and supplies that can help your elderly loved one stay safe and independent.

The diagnosis of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) can be life-changing because you may be uncertain about your future. Although the condition cannot be cured without a lung transplant, working with your doctors to develop good management strategies can reduce your risk of complications and disease progression.

Stay Updated On Vaccines

Make sure you speak with your doctor about the different vaccinations you can receive for your age group. When you are dealing with a serious, chronic illness, avoiding preventable illness can be life-saving. You should have the yearly flu vaccine. Even if you are within the age range that can have the nasal spray, it is unlikely your doctor would suggest this form of protection. People with chronic diseases and those who take immunosuppressant medications may be more susceptible to side effects from the live virus found in the nasal spray. Similarly, you should determine if vaccinations for pneumonia and shingles are appropriate.

Have A Plan For Flare-Ups

You will likely be placed on one or several medications to help manage your condition. Prescribed medications can include bronchodilators and steroids, which can keep your airway open and reduce inflammation. Depending on the severity of your situation, you may need additional treatments with a respiratory therapist who makes regular visits to your home. Even with a treatment plan, you should be prepared for flare-ups. You should discuss with your doctor which signs warrant making an appointment and what is considered an emergency. Additionally, ask if there are any medications that you can take during a flare-up to reduce the intensity and duration, such as steroids or a rescue inhaler. It is important to have these medications easily accessible.

Improve Your Household

You have no control over the air quality and other pollutants outdoors, but you can turn your home into a safe zone to minimize the impact on your lungs. Some changes that may reduce irritants include using hypoallergenic bedding, air purifiers, and doing more cleaning throughout your home. Carpets, rugs, and furniture can easily harbor dust, which can make COPD worse. You may choose to only have hardwood floors and use chair and sofa covers, since they can be washed frequently. If you smoke, you should try to quit. For those around you who might smoke, they should stop smoking indoors to improve the air quality.

Although COPD is a serious condition, it can be managed with medications and lifestyle changes to reduce your chances of disease progression. Minimizing your contact with allergens and other irritants can help you breathe easier and reduce the likelihood of flare-ups. For more information on managing your condition, make an appointment at a clinic like Corner Home Medical.